Tuesday, 30 December 2014

Some more word plays

ALGAE : Anger, Lust, Greed, Attachment & Ego

GITA : Guided Intuitive Truthful Actions

GITA : Going Inwards Towards Awareness


Where is GOD : NO WHERE  ...or NOW HERE

DIVE IN to understand the DIVINE


Whenever you get "Pains in your life.. Just think about the fullform of PAINS---
"Positive Attitude In Negative Situation"

Wednesday, 10 December 2014

The Five Koshas

The five layers that cover us

Outermost : Anmay Kosh , related to the food we eat, the body
next Pranmay Kosh, the breath
then Mano Kosh, the mind
then Vigyan Kosh, the intellect
and finally innermost is Anandmay Kosh, the self

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Indian names that probably came from verses of Gita

Gita/Geeta/Geetha, a common name for girls in India.

In the book and the many names of Krishan (Madhav, Keshav, Govind, Madhusudan,...) and the many names of Arjun (Kauntya, Gudakesh ,...) are mentioned.

Plus there are other words in the verses ( words in the root language Sanskrit) which are common names in India/ Indian families.

Sanjay, Bharat & the other characters from the Mahabharat story to start with.

A few examples that I spotted during a quick browse.

Devdutt 1.15
Madhav 1.14
Hrishikesh 2.10
Avinash 2.17
Nitya 2.20
Sangram 2.33
Samarth 2.36
Dhananjay 2.48
Manish 2.41
Prasad 2.64
Bhavna 2.66
Indrayani 2.68
Shanti 2.70
Smaran / Simran 3.6
Shradha 3.31
Munir 4.1
Prakriti 4.6
Gehna 4.17
Kewal 4.21
Vibhu 5.15
Mukt / Mukta 5.28
Mahesh / Maheshwar 5.29
Prashant 6.14
Chanchal 6.33
Jagat 7.6
Jeevan 7.9
Mohit 7.13
Devi 7.15
Prakash 7.24
Purushottam 8.1
Shashwat 8.23
Mohini(m) 9.12
Sakshi 9.18
Prabhav 9.18
Amrit(am) 9.19
Satyam 10.4
Janardhan 10.8
Shashi 10.21
Chetna 10.22
Vasu 10.23
Himalya 10.24
Sagar 10.24
Jhanvi 10.31
Gayatri 10.35
Vyas 10.37
Surya 11.12
Vishwas 11.18
Roop(am) 11.26
Priya 11.44
Dev 11.42
Harsha 12.15
Sooksham 13.15
Prakash 14.22
Daya 16.2
Guru17.14
Prasad 17.16
Shaurya 18.43
Manav 18.46
Shreyas 18.58
Ishwar 18.61
Bhavita 18.69


The following words I  suspect are in the Gita too, but could not spot them during the browsing
Anant
Drishti
Pran
Maya
Yajan
Smriti
Puja






Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Facts about Gita


Tuesday, 2 December 2014

You Tube link to a Summary of Gita

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmHHnyLXHqI

Its a 12.40 mins and worth it.

Guru Tattva / Gyan Ganga

The parent is the first teacher for everyone.

And in spirituality / path of knowledge there are the concepts of Guru Tattva / Gyan Ganga.

The Sikh faith believes in Shabad Guru , that all that is written in the Guru Granth , a collection of the teachings of all 10 Guru's is the one to be followed and no living Guru.

In Chap 4, in Gita it mentions that we need a teacher to progress in Spirituality. We need teachers to learn a new subject or sport and hence we need one here too.

Soem believe that learning by one self (thru books & internet) is not enough or complete as one tends to interpret it as it is convenient to each one.

A realised soul as a Guru will guide us & correct as as necessary.

The Gita also in Chap 4 mentions that the knowledge was given to Sun God then Manu and then so on & then lost and then given again during Mahabharat time.

There are people talking about/ preaching/ elaborating from scriptures across the world in temples as well as in living rooms & thru the internet. All are teachers in away, but are they "Realised Souls" to be selected as the "Guru" ?????

Then there is the Gyan Ganga concept. All the above teachers and more are part of "Gyan Ganga" which is the flow of knowledge from various sources, but all are same in the core.

Think about it.


One page Summary of Gita


  1. Awareness of Dilemma/conflicts/challenges, weakness, hopelessness
  2. Overcoming Fear and understanding the changeless part of us. What is steady wisdom. How to create evenness of mind.
  3. Understanding Self less Action, how to achieve skill in Action.
  4. Self Less Action is created through Knowledge, who you really are
  5. Renunciation by evolution, Understanding real & unreal.
  6. Meditation, I am nothing, I do nothing, I want nothing. How to still the mind.
  7. Realisation of lower and higher nature, Going beyond the unreal
  8. Understanding the nature of DivinityDivine
  9. Understanding the Secret of how to break the cycle of pain pleasure, happiness- sorrow etc. Understanding the divine plan
  10. Understanding the forms of divine consciousness, See One in All
  11. Realizing Divinity. See All in One.
  12. Understanding and blossoming of Devotion
  13. Understanding relative experience. Difference between Enjoyer, Enjoyed and Experience
  14. How play of Energies (Maya) works on us and prevents the journey
  15. Understanding the Divine
  16. What creates the types of people and nature
  17. Understanding Types of Faiths
  18. Attaining Liberation through True Renunciation



Monday, 1 December 2014

Avtaras : an evolution

The Avatars

  1. Matsya - The Fish : A water world creature 
  2. Koorma - The Tortoise : An amphipbian 
  3. Varaha - The Boar : A land animal 
  4. Narsimha - Half Man / Half Animal 
  5. Vamana - Small sized man / dwarf 
  6. Parshuram - A fully grown up man / physically strong 
  7. Rama - An evolved man with more control on mind 
  8. Krishna - Teacher, Cowherd , charioteer , statesman. 
  9. Balrama / in some places Budha is mentioned as 9th.
  10. Kalki - Yet to come! For the Kalyug!!

There is a progression in the avatars form and to explain the evolution to us.

Think about it.

Friday, 28 November 2014

Gita , Mahabharat & Ramayan

Gita is known as the manual for life , the guiding principles to lead a good life, a bunch of universal truths with universal applications.

Some say that Mahabharata is story with a collection of all possible human errors. All mistakes from lies, greed, gambling, attachment, etc , for each there is an example in Mahabharata. Few examples : Satyawati wants to be the Queen & her sons the future kings. Drupad ignores a friend!!  Drona lives to revenge!! Kunti fools around with the boon & Karan is born! Keeps that a secret !! drops Bheem from her hands!!!

Think of any negative quality of human nature and you will find an example of it in this story. Try it.

And then the fans of Ramayana say that the characters here are trying to live by Gita principles (or at least Rama is) and the story demonstrates other Gita principles too.  Dashrath kills Shravan kumar by mistake and lives to bear the pain of loosing his son ...Rama is the equipoised Stithpragya & Gyani!!! Hanuman is the epitome of devotion.

Mahabharatha is to remind us of the Do Nots  and Ramayan tries to elaborate the To Do's.

Having an understanding of Gita helps live life....




Think about it!!!

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Fear & Gita

This post is largely copy & paste from something I recd. in a class recently and modified a bit as well added more to it.

The 16 th chapter mentions ABHAY as a divine Quality.

Wednesday, 19 November 2014

Positive Attributes / Qualities described in Gita

The Gita mentions Stithpragya, Gyani, Bhakta & Gunatit etc.  They have a lot in common and this is an attempt to put them together for a quick perusal of all the good / positive / divine qualities.

Reading this frequently may help as a reminder and to cultivate these qualities.


Stithpragya chapter 2 verse 55-71
  • Un-petrurbed with joy & sorrow
  • Unattached
  • Free from passion
  • Withdraws senses like tortoise withdraws limbs on sensing danger. Has control on his senses and does not slide into delusion. Senses completely restrained.  
  • Mind concentrated on God
  • Intellect firmly established on God
  • His world (day & night) very different from the usual. He is asleep in matters of the world and for him the world is sleep regarding knowledge.
  • Like a river merges with ocean , feels fulfilled like an ocean
  • Gives up desires, attachment & ego and move towards peace

Gyani chapter 4, verse 19-23
  • 4.19- Devoid of self-centred objectives - worldly thoughts and desires don't exist - kamasankalpa varjitha 
  • 4.20- Without attachment to fruits of action - tyaktva karma phala sanga  
  • 4.20- Always satisfied  - Nitya tripta 
  • 4.20- Without dependence on the world- Nirasraya 
  • 4.21- Free from desires - Niraaseeh
  • 4.21- Mind well controlled- mind and body subdued - yatachittatma
  • 4.21- Without sense of ownership- tyakta sarvaparigraha
  • 4.22- Satisfied with whatever comes without calculations -yadricchalabha santushataha
  • 4.22- Rising above contrasting conditions of life (duality )-dwandwateeta
  • 4.22- Without competitive spirit - vimatsara
  • 4.22- Alike in success and failure - samaha siddhavasiddhau
  • 4.23- Fully established in the knowledge of God . - Jnanavasthitachetasaha
  • 4.23- All works are only sacrifice - Yajnaaya aacharata

Nature of realised soul 5.17 - 26

  • Ignorance removed by knowledge
  • Mind & intellect merged/connected to God
  • Rooted in equanimity. Impartial to all. Above pairs of opposites
  • Firm reason/faith; free of doubt ref Brahman
  • Identifies with Brahman and enjoys the joy inside. Not attached to worldly joys
  • Does not indulge in joys from sensory pleasures as they lead to sorrow and have an end.
  • Happy within and lit by inner light.
  • Self controlled and working for welfare for others
  • Free from lust & anger


Bhakta chapter 12. (13-20 : Who is Bhakta ? Attributes & Qualities)
  • Who is "sam" (same) with friend & enemy
  • Equipoise in praise and criticism, (Honour, dedicate to God; dishonour , introspect and grateful for idea to improve);  in cold & heat, pleasure & pain
  • Contemplative : on higher goals
  • No sense of ownership
  • Firmness of the mind.
  • Is a "nimita" 
  • Desire-less, pure.
  • resourceful (daksh : clever n efficient)
  • unattached (impartial)
  • unworried (beyond distractions). 
  • Neither desires nor grieves. 
  • Nor rejoices or hates. 
  • Renounces good and evil. 
  • Full of devotion. 
  • Friendly
  • Compassionate
  • No malice
  • Forgiving
  • Content
  • Subdues senses
  • Firm resolve
  • Not a cause of annoyance or pain to others
  • Above distractions

Characteristic of Knowledgeable 13.7-13.11 (17 points)
  • Absence of pride
  • Non violent
  • Forbearance
  • Straight forwardness in speech
  • Service to Guru
  • Internal & external purity
  • Control on body, mind & senses
  • Equipoised mind. Steadfastness of mind
  • Dispassion towards objects of sensory pleasures
  • Absence of attachments - my / mine. No Egotism
  • Fixity in spiritual knowledge
  • Devotion


Gunaatit chapter 14 (14.21 -14.27 : Who is trigunatit? Beyond the gunas)
  • Same to friend & foe
  • Equipoised
  • Established in self
  • Not impacted by value of mud versus gold. Not attached to either.
  • No attachments
  • Renounced doership
  • Depend only on God. No other dependencies
  • Constant connection & devotion

Divine qualities 16.1-3 : 26

1.
Abhhayam
Fearlessness
2.
Sathwa-samshudhhilti
Purity of heart
3.
Gnana-yo’ga vyavasthhithaha
Steadfastness in Yoga of knowledge
4.
Daanam
Charitable
5.
Damaha
Control of the senses
6.
Yagnyaha
Sacrifice
7.
Swaadhyaayaha
Self-study, study of the Shastras
8.
Thapalia
Asceticism
9.
Aarjavam
Uprightness
10.
Abimsa
Practice of non-violence
11.
Sathyam
Truth
12.
Akrodhham
Absence of anger; even tempered
13.
Thyaagam
Spirit of renunciation
14.
Shanthi
Quietitude; keeping inward balance
15.
Apaishunam~ -
Un-malicious tongue; Speech echoes the fragrance of the soul
16
Daya Bhootheshu
Tenderness towards all Beings
17.
Alo’lupthwam
Non-covetousness
18.
Maardhavam
Gentleness
19.
Hreehi
Modesty
20.
Achaapalam
Not unnecessarily moving limbs
21.
Thejaha
Brilliant glow — glow of spirituality
22
Kshamaa
Patience; serenity in the face of provocation
23
Dhrutihi
Fortitude; sacred energy coming from strength of faith, conviction in Goal, consistency of purpose; vivid perception of the ideal; a bold spirit of sacrifice cultivated diligently
24.
Shoucham
Purity-- inner and outer
25.
Adro’ha’ha
Non-hatred
26.
Na Athi’mamathaa
Absence of excessive-pride

4.36 and the Confession system

I think the confession system followed by Christians is commendable.

The religious framework provides the individual an opportunity to talk and lift the burden of the chest, confidentially to the priest, representing God here. Being able to acknowledge and accept ones sin/wrong doing lightens a human in an amazing way. And like when kids do a mistake parents ask them to say sorry & say will not do it again. Similarly the Father at church listens, guides and helps you make that commitment of not repeating the mistake/sin.

Confessing alone does not absolve you of the sins but the awareness, acceptance and then seeking God's forgiveness makes you a better person whose likelihood to stay on the true path increases significantly.

In the Gita in 4.36 it says " Even though you are the worst of sinners, with knowledge as a raft, yo will cross all sins"

This verse gives hope to all sinners that once you become a seeker then knowledge takes you closer to God. One can start anytime in life. Its start of day/journey when you wake up.

All religions generally talk about absolving sins, accept wrong doings and move on etc. The Art of Living lays great emphasis on acceptance. But the Church has a methodology for doing this. Love that bit.

Some Hindus believe that a dip in Ganges and all sins are washed.

Well Confessions & Dips if done to tick the box loose their meaning. Its about acceptance and awareness that takes one to the next level. Only when such acts (confessions & dips) are done with acceptance & awareness that it takes us closer to the divine.

We all need to have the conversations with our selves and find out the best way to do it.



Tuesday, 18 November 2014

Some classifications in Gita

In Chap 2 and Chap 5 he talks about the paths to realisation : Sankhya Yog & Karam Yog


Varnas in Society : The caste system originally based on Karmas & Gunass not by birth are mentioned in 4.13. Mathematically the Gunas dominance (SRT) can have 6 combinations but logically only 4
  • SRT : Brahmin : Knowledge spreading for over all good
  • RST : Kshatriya : Action oriented towards larger good
  • RTS : Vaishya : Action for self benefit
  • TRS : Shudhra : Largely inaction, and little for self
( This is again mentioned in 18.41 - 45)

Types of Bhaktas 7.16
  • ArthBhakta 1 : Distressed, need help. Lord is Saviour ( Arth Bhakti is better than no bhakti!) 
  • ArthBhakta 2 : Contractual, if i get this I will do xx charity. Lord is Sadhyam
  • A mature Bhakta : Jigyasu : want to know more about God. Lord is Sadhna. Nish Kaam Bhakti
  • A wise man : Jnani. Knows that he & God are one
Two paths mentioned in 8.24 -27 are about the dark and the bright one to reach Brahman


Chap 17 talks about 3 types of faith, tapas, yagna, charity based on Gunas


In 18.4 mentions renunciation is also 3 types based on Guna. 18.23-25 mentions 3 types of actions, and further SRT dominant budhi & dhriti


Monday, 17 November 2014

Anger & Gita, Buddha & Sikhism

In the modern day we hear about Anger Management

Anger is the result of an expectation / desire not met!

Gita addresses the cause and guides us to be aware of & to manage the causes, a very proactive approach indeed.

Below are a few references from Gita related to what leads to Anger :
  • Chap 2 : v 62 & v 63 mention the 8 Sliding Steps or the downward spiral , where Anger is in centre!
    • Thoughts about worldly objects ( usually after we see or hear about them or smell some food!)
    • Attachment to the object ( we think about it and then get attached)
    • Desire ( I like, I want, I must have)
    • Unfulfilled (when we don't get it!!!)
    • Anger
    • Delusion (reasoning is lost and just the desire & the sorrow of of not happening fills you up)
    • Loss of Memory ( forget that did not have, it was a desire and forget learnings that desire is cause of suffering)
    • Destruction   (one has lost self control, shouting, being upset and so on)
  • Chap 2 : v 71 pointer to peace : No to I, Mine, Desire & Attachment. It my thoughts, my expectations & my desires. Being aware that the more I , Me , Mine we have, more are possibilities of Anger & hence delusion etc.
  • Chap 3 : v 37 anger is born from Rajas, our own thoughts. Rajas relates to activity and acquisitions. These are closely related to "I did that" or "I have that" or "I want that"...again boils down to "I"  
  • Chap 4 : v 36 & 38 mentions that worst sinner can also reach God. So despite having had anger & its consequences, there is hope. This is to give hope to all people who have had anger in their lives that they can move on.
  • Sensory organs leading to desires and the non fulfilment leads to anger , these are are referred to in 
    • Chap 5 : v 22 Pleasure derived from sense organs lead to sorrow / anger. First there is effort to fulfil this desire (instead of some other!), then in maintaining the object, then fear of loosing it . Each pleasure comes with related sorrow.
    • Chap 6 : v 16 Moderation. 
    • Chap 8 : v 16 All is perishable. All except Atman is perishable. What we have as well as what we desire will perish.

  • Chap 16 : v 21. This verse mentions the 3 Gates to hell, one is Anger (Desire, Anger & Greed )
Word Play : ALGAE : Anger, Lust, Greed, Attachment & Ego